Business rates preventing international retailers from expanding into UK

Three quarters of international retailers said that they would expand elsewhere in preference to the UK due to a number of perceived barriers, the most significant being business rates.

That’s according to new findings from intu and Revo who are calling on the Government to do more to support and promote UK retail.

The new report outlines eight recommendations to capitalise on international interest and remove barriers to expansion.

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David Fischel, intu chief executive, said: “The good news is that overseas retailers are interested in the UK because it is a large market, has sensible employment regulations, low corporation tax and a sound digital infrastructure.

“However, almost three quarters of the retailers surveyed said they would consider other countries in preference to the UK for expanding their business; with the stand- out issue being the high level of UK property taxes, especially business rates.

The research found the UK is seen as attractive across 36 key factors including solid economic growth rate, a sensible approach to labour relations, low corporate tax rate and sound digital infrastructure.

Ed Cooke, Revo chief executive, said: “Retail is a Great British success story, admired around the world for its creativity and innovation. The sector is supported by a dynamic and evolving retail property industry, which is adapting in response to retailer needs, shaped by changing consumer shopping habits.”

Other recommendations within the report include promoting the UK to international retailers, addressing issues relating to planning and providing more help to navigate the complex legislative and wider regulatory landscape.

The UK retail sector generates £326 billion in sales each year and directly employs around 3 million people.

One Comment;

Business rates, like council tax are a totally unfair form of taxation as it ignores the primary element, “ability to pay”. Both these taxes should be revised. For business rates it should be a turnover tax of 0.5 to 1.0% of turnover, and council tax should be local income tax.
They should not be a fixed sum.